How to Groom a Curious Dog

Introduction

When you have a dog whose curiosity seems to know no bounds, trying to get him calmed down enough to be groomed can be very challenging. Every time you try to do something, Coco's nose is right there getting in the way. This level of curiosity might be fun when you are trying to train her to find things or hunt, but when it comes to grooming time, it is nothing but a major pain in the backside. The good news is that with a little hard work on both your part and Coco's, you can get her to settle down and let you get the job done.

Dog's Perspective

From Coco's point of view, she just wants to know everything about everything. From what tools you plan to use, to where your hands are going, to the smell of everything involved. It is just in her nature. By catering to this need and letting Coco satisfy her curiosity within limits, you can make the whole job much easier for both of you.

The Redirect Method

Effective

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Step

1

Treats are needed here

You will need a large supply of Coco's favorite treats to use as rewards.

Step

2

Toys

Having a few toys on hand to redirect her attention when she starts fussing is a good idea.

Step

3

Music

Add a radio playing soft music. This will help calm her down and then keep her attention more focused on the music and toys than what you are doing.

Step

4

Bring Coco in

Bring Coco into the room you plan to use for grooming. Be sure all the tools you plan to use are laid out where she can sniff them, lick them, and look at them. Give her as much time as she needs to satisfy her curiosity. Don't be in a hurry.

Step

5

Give her a rubdown

Take some time to give Coco a nice relaxing rub down before you start the grooming process. This will also help her to relax and enjoy the experience. It may take a few sessions before she finally stops being so curious and simply lets you get the job done.

Recommend grooming method?

The Too Sleepy to Care Method

Effective

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Slicker Brush

Scissors

Pin Brush

Nail Clipper

Deshedder

Dematter

Comb

Clipper

Nail File

Step

1

Choose your path

Choose a nice quiet trail or path to take Coco on a hike. Be sure your hike is long enough to tire her out. Go slow and let her satisfy her curiosity along the way. The idea is to tire her out physically and mentally.

Step

2

Play time

When you get home, go ahead and spend some time with Coco playing her favorite games. This will help her calm down from the hike and is a great way to bond with her.

Step

3

The touch game

While you are playing with Coco, be sure you touch her frequently to help her get used to being touched all over.

Step

4

And the sensitive spots

While you are touching and rubbing Coco, be sure to hit those sensitive areas such as the head, face, tail, genitals, anus, and paws. The more you work with these ahead of time, the less she will fuss.

Step

5

Add the tools to the party

Lay out all tools you plan to use on the floor and let Coco spend as much time as she wants to get used to them. She may sniff and look at them, she may even lick them. Just sit back and watch. When she is comfortable lie down near them. Once you reach this point, you should have no more issues with going on to grooming her and making her look beautiful.

Recommend grooming method?

Caution & Considerations

A curious dog can be a lot of fun, but unless you can get her to calm down during grooming, it could result in serious injury.

While your dog is a pup, you can keep the walks short enough that she doesn't become overtired, as this can lead to injury.

As your dog matures, you need to adjust the length of the walks to achieve the desired level of tiredness.

Use your pup's favorite treats as rewards each time she does what is expected.

Use the same room in your house each time you groom your dog. This will help reduce her curiosity and make it easier to get her settled down for grooming.

Give your dog as much time as she needs to satisfy her curiosity about the tools you plan to use. This will make everything go much easier.

Conclusion

A curious dog can be a lot of fun, they simply never seem to
get enough of searching around. Their noses are constantly sniffing and their
eyes flick from one thing to another faster than you can keep up. By
working with your dog to calm her down and let her satisfy her curiosity, you
can make the grooming process go smoothly.